Nissan Repair: 87 Nissan Pulsar Problem, 87 nissan pulsar, pulsar problem

Question
I have a 87 Nissan Pulsar with 160,000 miles. It is a 4 cyl, auto, with A/C. The problem I am having is when it is at idle once in a while it will rev up for a second then go back to normal idle speed. It seems to be getting worse with time. Now sometimes when it does it, after the rev it will stall. Normally I can turn the key back to off then start it again. Today it happen to stall once and it would not start at all again. I waited about 30 seconds then tried to start it again and it started. I do not know much about troubleshooting but if you could point me to a specific part I could change it. I have a Chiltons manual. The car is probably due for a tune up and it has a moderate exhaust leak. Thanks for any help you could provide. JOHN

Answer
John,

Check the intake hose for cracks.  This is the hose between the air meter and the intake.  If there are cracks it will get unmetered air and that would cause the problem.  Also, check the throttle for binding and clean it with carburetor cleaner.  You cannot clean it with the engine running as the airmeter has to be in the system and cleaner will kill the airmeter.  So, with the engine off just spray cleaner in where the throttle plate is and then put everything back together.  It will be a pain to start at first since it is basically flooded.  But, the engine will run better and the idle should be consistant.